When you are on a supplement plan you need to present two cards when you have a Medicare-covered service performed. You will give your provider your Medicare card and your supplement plan card. After both Medicare and your insurance company have paid, you will be responsible for the remainder.

Medicare supplement plans have several key features:

• Medicare supplements are standardized plans, meaning a standard Plan N is the same no matter what company you purchase it from.

• Supplements only cover items after Medicare has paid, meaning only services that are covered under Medicare will be covered with a supplement plan. For example, Medicare doesn’t cover acupuncture, so your supplement will not pay if you have acupuncture done.

• Some supplements may offer enhanced benefits, meaning they pay for some items that Medicare does not. For example, some supplements offer worldwide coverage in the event of an emergency.

• With a supplement plan, you can see any doctor anywhere in the US who accepts original Medicare without a referral.

• Once you have a plan you are able to keep it for life (as long as you pay the premiums) even if you move or the plan is no longer offered.

• Supplement plans do not change annually (unlike other types of Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage plans).

• Not all supplement plans cover the same amount, so it is important to look into each supplement plan and choose the one that covers the items you use most.

• Supplement plans do not cover prescriptions, so you will also need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan to cover your medications.

As of 2020, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare supplement plan offered to new Medicare members. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may be able to enroll in Plan C or Plan F. Supplements vary greatly in how much they pay for Medicare-covered services. Check specific plans to determine which one will work best for your situation.